How to Sew an Elastic Waistband with Casing
An elastic waistband with casing creates a clean, professional finish while providing comfort and adjustability. This method keeps the elastic hidden inside a fabric channel, making it perfect for skirts, pants, loungewear, and children's clothing. Follow these steps to create a neat, functional elastic waistband that will stand up to regular wear.
What You'll Need
- Elastic in your desired width (typically ½" to 1½")
- Your garment with waist edge prepared but unfinished
- Sewing machine and matching thread
- Scissors
- Pins or clips
- Safety pin or bodkin
- Measuring tape
- Iron and ironing board
- Marking tool
Step 1: Prepare the Elastic and Fabric
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Cut Your Elastic
- Measure the wearer's waist or desired finished measurement
- Cut elastic 1-2" smaller than this measurement for a comfortable fit
- For children's clothing, reduce by less; for stretchy fabrics, reduce by more
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Prepare the Waist Edge
- Finish the raw edge with a serger or zigzag stitch if your fabric frays
- If using a waistband facing, attach it now but leave the bottom edge free
Step 2: Create the Casing
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Fold and Press
- Fold the waist edge to the wrong side by ¼" and press
- Fold again by the width of your elastic plus ⅛" for ease
- For example, with 1" elastic, fold down 1⅛" total
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Secure and Stitch
- Pin or clip the folded edge in place around the entire waistband
- Stitch close to the bottom folded edge, leaving a 1-2" opening for inserting elastic
- Backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching
Step 3: Insert and Secure the Elastic
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Thread the Elastic
- Attach a safety pin or bodkin to one end of your elastic
- Insert through the opening and guide it through the entire casing
- Keep the other end of the elastic outside the opening to prevent it from disappearing inside
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Join the Elastic Ends
- Overlap the elastic ends by ½"
- Securely stitch them together with a zigzag stitch in a square or rectangle pattern
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Finish the Waistband
- Tuck the joined elastic into the casing
- Stitch the opening closed with a straight stitch
- For extra security, stitch "in the ditch" at side seams to prevent elastic rolling
Final Tips for Professional Results
- Use wider elastic for heavier fabrics or more support
- Mark quarter points on both the elastic and waistband to ensure even distribution
- Avoid stretching the fabric while stitching the casing
- For a decorative touch, use topstitching or multiple rows of stitching on the casing
- Consider using non-roll elastic for children's clothing or activewear
- Test elastic tension before sealing the casing—it should be snug but comfortable
